Do Yorkies Shed? The Answer Might Surprise You

When reading up on Yorkshire terriers, it’s quickly apparent that many people continue to wonder about the situation with this breed and their hair. Who knew this was such a hot topic? Luckily we’ve gathered a plethora of information and we’re ready to answer the age-old question of whether Yorkies shed or not.

Well, almost ready. First, want to know what all the fuss is about Yorkies?

Why Do People Love Yorkies?

Yorkies are popular. In fact, they’re the 9th most popular dog breed in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club. Some of their most valued traits include:

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affectionate and sprightly personalities

super adaptable (they make great city dogs)

they’re generally good with kids and other pets

Yorkies are portable – because of their diminutive size you can carry them with you everywhere!

Yorkies also have an interesting backstory. They started out in the 19th century as rat-catchers in clothing mills, but eventually caught the eye of the aristocracy and became popular companions for high society families.

Their popularity has increased throughout the years, and their reputation for light shedding is one of the many reasons that they’re so beloved.

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The Epic Battle of Hair vs. Fur

Before we talk about Yorkie shedding, it’s important to understand their coats. Most dogs have coats made of fur where the strands are thick, coarse, and short. This fur grows in bursts several times a year, and the dog’s old fur is quickly pushed out, causing period of intense shedding (and sadness for your furniture and dark-colored clothing).

The Yorkshire terrier’s coat is different, though. It’s made of hair that’s fine, silky, and longer than average dog fur. This hair grows at the same rate all year long (kind of like human hair), so Yorkies don’t have the same growth and shedding cycles as other dogs. The hairs that do shed often fall back into the pup’s coat, making the shedding harder to notice.

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So How Do I Take Care of My Yorkie’s Luscious Locks?

Now that we’ve explained why Yorkies have such fabulous hair, here’s how you’ll need to care for it:

You must groom a Yorkshire terrier! If brushing hair is not your thing, this may not be the dog for you. Yorkies need to be brushed often so that the old hair hidden in their coats can be removed. In fact, many sources say it should be an everyday occurrence.

Use a high-quality pin brush for grooming. This will get you deep into the coat, but it’s still gentle enough to prevent damage to the hair. Starting with a thorough comb will also help keep your Yorkie’s coat smooth.

Though you may enjoy the look of free-flowing tendrils, it’s much easier to keep your Yorkie’s hair short and tangle-free.

And if you do get a tangle, don’t use the brush. Carefully untangle with fingers and the help of canine conditioner for best results.

You can always throw those Yorkie bangs into a top knot if they seem to be getting in the way. Stylish, sensible, and super easy, this look is always adorable.

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Does this Mean that Yorkies are Hypoallergenic?

‘Fraid not. Some people think Yorkies are hypoallergenic dogs because they don’t shed like dogs with fur.

However, though they may cause less of a reaction in people with dog allergies, Yorkies aren’t allergy-proof. Allergic reactions are caused by a dog’s dander and saliva, so even though they shed very little, Yorkies can still trigger reactions.

Why Is my Yorkie Losing Hair?

There are a few reasons why your Yorkie might be shedding more than they should be. These include:

Certain illnesses or diseases – take your pup to the vet if you’re concerned.

They need to be groomed more often, and the old hairs aren’t being properly removed from their coat.

Hope you’ve learned a little about the mysteries of Yorkie hair. Have other random questions involving dogs? Check out our Dog Questions section—we’ve got you covered on everything from why dogs lick to whether dogs are ticklish.